§ 331-3. Rules of construction.

The following rules of construction apply to the language of this chapter:

A. 

The specific shall control the general.

B. 

All words used in the present tense include the past and the future tense.

C. 

All words in the singular number include the plural number, and vice versa, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.

D. 

Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter, and vice versa, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.

E. 

The word "shall" is mandatory and the word "may" is permissive.

F. 

The word "includes" shall not limit a term to the specified examples, but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances or circumstances of like kind or character.

G. 

Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, where a regulation involves two or more items, conditions, provisions or events connected by the conjunction "and," "or," "either or," "and/or," the conjunction shall be interpreted as follows:

(1) 

"And" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply.

(2) 

"Or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly or in any combination.

(3) 

"Either or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly but not in combination.

(4) 

"And/or" indicates that all the connected items, conditions, provisions or events shall apply singly and in any combination.

H. 

A building or structure includes any part thereof.

I. 

For the words "lot," "plot" and "tract of land," one shall include the other.

J. 

The word "premises" shall include "land and buildings thereon."

K. 

The words "occupied" or "used" shall be considered to be followed by the words "or intended, arranged or designed to be occupied or used," unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.

L. 

References made to officials and official bodies shall mean officials and official bodies of the City of New Rochelle, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.

M. 

In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this chapter and any table, caption or illustration or exhibit, the text shall control.